Chelsea's Alonso kicks off reign with 3-2 win over Fulham

Xabi Alonso began his Chelsea tenure with a dramatic 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, showcasing an exciting attacking display that belied defensive vulnerabilities. Joao Pedro opened the scoring after 31 seconds, and Morgan Rogers marked his Chelsea debut with a goal that made him the club’s then-record British signing, while Palmer added a second-half strike to restore Chelsea's lead. Fulham answered through Josh King and Gonzalo Garcia, highlighting the defensive frailties Chelsea have to tighten up under the new manager. The thrashing pace of Pedro, Palmer, and Rogers, operating in a dangerous three-man attack, signaled the potential for Chelsea to reclaim their attacking intensity this season. Alonso’s in-game decisions and the high-tempo performance earned him an immediate, positive impression given the club’s off-season pressure and a need to rebound from last season’s 10th-place finish. Critics noted the defensive issues despite the offensive bursts, underlining a work-in-progress for Alonso as he reshapes Chelsea’s style and squad.